Hong Kong In 48 Hours: An American Express Platinum Luxury Weekend

Jim Dobson
, ContributorTraveling the world in search of amazing People, Places and ThingsOpinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own.

Jim Dobson

Sunset in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is one of those rare cities that you can never stop exploring. One of the most vibrant destinations I have ever visited and also one of the most decadent. With a population of 7.3 million all perfectly arranged into small areas of land, it is truly an awe-inspiring city of high rise living. Filled with fantastic restaurants, bars, and shopping, you will want to explore as much as possible during a limited visit.

Travelers have two options on where to stay; Kowloon (connected to mainland China) or Hong Kong Island which features a more business scene with streets filled to the brim with expats and locals working out of Central. On Kowloon, the experience is more authentic with street markets, local vendors and packed with luxury hotels offering the most spectacular views of the cityscape and harbor. Among the very best are the famed Peninsula Hotel, the Intercontinental Hotel and the soon to open Rosewood Hotel.

With the launch of American Express’ first Centurion Lounge in Asia at the Hong Kong International Airport, the luxury options have expanded. The opportunities for Platinum and Centurion Card members in Hong Kong are endless with custom travel access to the very best spots available. For many travelers, Hong Kong is usually a weekend stopover, so I wanted to create the perfect way to spend 48 hours curated by American Express Platinum in one of the most magical cities in the world.

American Express

Centurion Lounge at Hong Kong International Airport

THE LOUNGE

One of the best spots to relax in style before your flight is the new 8,000 square foot Centurion Lounge in Terminal 1 near gate 61 at Hong Kong International Airport. I was excited to be invited to the opening day celebration for the lounge included a traditional dragon dance ceremony along with VIPs including Janey Whiteside, EVP, and GM of Global Charge Products for Amex and actor Donnie Yen.

Photographed for Forbes by Elliot Dal Pra

Janey Whiteside, EVP, and GM of Global Charge Products for Amex inside the new Centurion Lounge

The stunning modern and simple design, including chairs by Paulo Mendes da Rocha's Paulistano and Warren Platner, accent the full buffet and large full bar. Custom cocktails are by mixologist Jim Meehan and wines are selected by Anthony Giglio. There are private workstations, computer bars, and private shower suites. There is also a separate VIP lounge for Centurion members featuring offerings from Michelin star chef Lau Yiu Fai of Yan Toh Heen at the Intercontinental Hong Kong.

Photographed for Forbes by Elliot Dal Pra

Traditional Dragon dance at the opening of American Express Centurion Lounge

DAY ONE

9:00am- Ngong Ping Cable Car Ride

Take a glass bottom cable car on a 25-minute breathtaking ride to the top of Lantau and Ngong Ping Village. The ride is far away from the bustle of the city and provides breathtaking views of Hong Kong including the vast South China Sea, and the mountainous terrain of Lantau Island. Walk through the village and visit the massive Tian Tan Buddha and Po Lin Monastery, all hidden away in lush mountains.

There is nothing more acclaimed than the signature Peninsula Tea. Served in the lobby, it has long been recognized as one of the most elegant meeting places in Hong Kong with live performances by a string quartet.

7:00pm- Hong Kong Cultural Center to Watch a Symphony of Lights

Located at Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront, what used to be the world’s largest light and sound show is now sadly only a handful of buildings participating and not a spectacle as in years past. Most travel guides will tell you this is a must but your time is better spent having cocktails at one of the many rooftop bars and enjoying the amazing cityscape.

8:00pm Enjoy drinks at the urban cool hot spot Fu Lu Shou

Fu Lu Shou is tucked away in an old building, the grungy hidden bar features an open kitchen serving up western Chinese food, from chop suey to chow mien. The crowd is filled with hipster expats and locals.

Sevva

Sevva Restaurant

9:00pm- Dinner at Sevva Restaurant

The best views for food and drinks in the city are from the terrace at Sevva, a super popular spot perched 25 stories up in the busy Central district. In a city with more than 61 Michelin star restaurants, it is hard to choose where to dine. The best of the best include 3-star restaurants like; Bo Innovation, L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon (French), Lung King Heen (Cantonese), 8 1/2 Otto e Mezzo Bombana (Italian), Sushi Shikon (Japanese), T'ang Court (Cantonese). Or you can explore many of the trendy spots like the massively popular Ho Lee Fuk or Little Bao.

One of the best spots for a late dinner is at the extremely popular Zuma, a Japanese restaurant with an izakaya-inspired menu. The restaurant offers up modern Japanese cuisine dishes inspired by Japan’s informal izakaya style and designed to be shared.

Another top option for dinner is at one of Hong Kong’s most popular restaurants (and difficult to get a reservation) Yardbird. A modern izakaya that specializes in yakitori dishes of skewered grilled chicken. The menu, created by Chef Matt Abergel, focuses on chicken all grilled over traditional Binchotan charcoal. The family-style and very trendy eatery is easy to spot with its large lines outside.

Iron Fairies

Iron Fairies Bar

11:00pm- Dancing at The Iron Fairies

After dinner dancing is best in Lan Kwai Fong, one of Hong Kong’s most popular nightlife hotspots and offering up over 90 restaurants and bars. Check out The Iron Fairies, with a stunning décor this popular bar is outfitted to resemble a blacksmith’s workshop. Metal-making tools line the walls, and the decor includes hidden chambers and thousands of butterflies hanging from the ceiling.

Jim Dobson

Macau skyline

DAY TWO

The options are numerous for exploring the city and shopping at some of the world’s best boutiques, but I preferred to explore outside of the city with an easy 45-minute ferry ride to Macau, the Las Vegas of China. The Premier Jetfoil seemingly floats above the water and offers a VIP cabin and Premier Grand Class seating with meals served.

9:00am- Take a Ferry to Macau

Explore the massive casino complexes in Cotai including the futuristic Studio City complex and other well known Vegas brands like the largest casino in the world, The Venetian, The Wynn, MGM, and even the Eiffel Tower at The Parisian. But my favorite way to explore is walking the bustling cobblestone streets among Taipa Old Town. In the 16th Century, China gave Portugal the right to settle in Macau, and now it is a mix of traditional Chinese and Portuguese Colonial architecture. Start the adventure with a traditional Egg Tart and espresso at Lord Stow's Bakery before heading towards the winding streets and shops and the famed Ruins of St. Paul's.

Jim Dobson

Albergue 1601 Restaurant in Macau

12noon- Lunch at Albergue 1601

Ranked among the best Portuguese restaurants in Macau, Albergue 1601 is located in a bright yellow art deco style building with a courtyard (al fresco style when the weather is nice). The location is charming and more than a hundred years old. It served as a refugee camp for the Chinese during World War II and then an old women's home. Now, it's a heritage site under conservation.

4:00pm- Helicopter flight from The Peninsula Hong Kong

Even if you're not a guest of the Peninsula Hong Kong, you can still book a 15 minute with their helicopter service. Helicopters take off from atop the iconic hotel, and the only rooftop helipad in the city.

Peninsula Hotel

Felix Restaurant at the Peninsula Hotel

8:00pm- Dinner at Felix

Set in the most prominent location, Felix boasts Hong Kong's spectacular skyline and pushes culinary boundaries under the helm of Chef Yoshiharu Kaji. Located on the 28th floor of The Peninsula Hotel tower, Felix is the creation of renowned avant-garde designer Philippe Starck. Serving Modern European cuisine made with the freshest seasonal ingredients, the restaurant offers breathtaking views of Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong Island, and Kowloon.

The perfect way to end my journey to Hong Kong was viewing the spectacular 25-minute fireworks show in celebration of National Day of the People’s Republic of China all from the elegance of Felix Restaurant.

I was sad to depart this amazing city and can totally relate to the famous quote "You can leave Hong Kong, but it will never leave you." I can't wait to return to this brilliant city bursting with energy and new discoveries on every corner.